In a thrilling announcement that will surely delight tennis enthusiasts, ESPN, under the co-ownership of The Walt Disney Company, has extended its partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). This new agreement promises that the beloved U.S. Open tennis tournament will be broadcast on ESPN until 2037.
Starting in 2026, this 12-year extension represents ESPN’s longest contract in the tennis realm to date. ESPN will maintain its exclusive broadcasting rights for the U.S. Open not just in the United States but also in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada via TSN and RDS. In a move to cater to the Spanish-speaking audience, ESPN Deportes will remain the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster within the U.S.
A key highlight of this new deal is that from 2026 onward, USTA will take on the role of the host broadcaster. This shift will allow ESPN to channel its resources toward delivering extensive coverage for both U.S. and international viewers, enhancing the viewing experience.
USTA CEO and Executive Director Lew Sherr shared his enthusiasm, crediting the renewed collaboration for the increasing participation in tennis and the collective ambition to extend the sport’s appeal.
This move aligns with ESPN’s recent strategic endeavors, including its pivot towards a streaming model and prior discussions in 2023 with major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA about potential partnerships. Moreover, Disney’s decisive action in September 2023 to resolve a cable blackout, ensuring uninterrupted U.S. Open broadcasts, underscores its unwavering commitment to sports programming through ESPN.
What are your thoughts on this exciting new development? Share your views in the comments below and don’t forget to spread the word!
Source: Benzinga Neuro
